Animal therapy to treat anxiety

What is animal therapy?

Animal therapy or animal-assisted therapy (AAT) encourages humans to interact with animals in order to cope with various issues.

A less conventional approach than medicine, AAT can be used to reduce feelings of anxiety, assist in physical rehabilitation and improve pain management. A number of studies have vaunted the positive effects on autism, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.

Although our bond with animals dates back to the dawn of time, animal therapy as a practice began gaining formal recognition in the 1960s. Since then, many researchers have found that the simple presence of a feathered or furry companion is enough to relieve stress and contribute to a person’s well-being.

Therapy animals

Pet therapy mainly involves the use of trained dogs and cats.

However, they’re not the only ones that do people good. Other species include:

• horses
• guinea pigs
• rabbits
• parrots/parakeets
• monkeys
• dolphins
• llamas
• goats

When it comes to selecting animals, therapists will seek out those with very specific traits. They must be:

• sociable
• gentle
• docile
• friendly
• submissive

They will then be trained to follow instructions in order to achieve the treatment plan objectives.

Anxiety, a bad omen

Everyone experiences anxiety at one time or another. Often, it is linked to a stressful event like job interviews, moving into a new house or final exams. Anxiety will normally dissipate once the situation has passed.

It's only when the feeling of anxiety persists and becomes overwhelming that a disorder is diagnosed.

Symptoms include sleeping problems, panic attacks and a fear of dying.

Thankfully, AAT has been shown to alleviate things like:

• heart palpitations
• poor concentration
• worry
• A feeling helplessness or of losing control

What happens in an ATT session to treat anxiety?

Trained therapists are there to facilitate the interaction and guide the session.

The aim is to create a safe space. Their role is not necessarily to analyze what patients are saying, but to listen to them, and make them feel comfortable and secure.

In fact, sometimes, sessions are conducted in complete silence.

Animals’ ability to soothe the soul

Anxiety is often referred to as a fear of the unknown. Animals live in the here and now, which means they can reduce people’s stress by taking their mind off of anxiety-provoking situations through non-judgmental companionship.

They don't get upset. They don't criticize. Their unconditional love serves as a sanctuary where most people feel comfortable opening up. It's easy for patients to confide in them. Some experts even claim that because animal therapy is less formal than psychotherapy, it leads to a more natural introspection.

The benefits are felt on both psychological and physiological levels:

• lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone)
• more endorphins
• lower blood pressure
• sense of security and calm
• positive distraction
• better socialization

Animal therapy in hospitals

Beneva’s corporate cause is anxiety prevention. So, when the CHUM Foundation (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) mentioned their need to increase animal therapy services, we decided to contribute to the project.

Thanks to our financial support, animal therapy sessions take place several times a week in the addiction, psychiatry and palliative care departments of the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) (CHUM). The goal is to prevent and reduce anxiety among patients, their families, caregivers and employees—it's win-win!

Animal therapy stands out from other more traditional treatments for its non-verbal emotional support, which helps patients reduce their anxiety, improve their mood and build their trust.